The Department of Home Affairs has quietly abandoned the project to create a single-issuing body (SIB) for Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASIC), but has said it will continue with some reforms.
In a statement posted to the departmental website, Home Affairs said that multiple issuing bodies would remain part of the ASIC processes, but that reforms were underway to make the procedure more efficient.
"The transition to a SIB will no longer continue in its original form," the department said. "Instead, we will progress a broader reform of the background checking framework, with a focus on increasing efficiency, streamlining processes and enhancing security outcomes.
"Issuing bodies will remain important partners in the development and implementation of reforms. AusCheck will continue to coordinate background checks for ASIC and MSIC applicants, while working with issuing bodies to implement interim enhancements.
"Lessons learned from the SIB transitions at Canberra and Adelaide Airports, and feedback from industry consultations, will shape these improvements.
"Longer-term, we will continue working with issuing bodies to define a future-state operating model that delivers an efficient, secure and modern background checking framework.
"We remain committed to early and transparent engagement, and we will consult with issuing bodies throughout the reform process."
According to a discussion paper published in November 2022, a SIB was needed because the existing regulatory model required government intervention and regulatory oversight, and had "inherent vulnerabilities in the current arrangements that are undermining the integrity of the schemes."
The department has not given a reason for discontinuing the SIB project, but with only Canberra and Adelaide Airports joining the program by the transition deadline, it was clear the aviation industry had not embraced the idea.